The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is confirming the effective date of our amendment to the black stem rust quarantine and regulations that added 15 varieties to the list of rust-resistant Berberis species and varieties and 2 varieties to the list of rust-resistant Mahonia species and varieties. The effective date of this final rule is November 6, 2017.

This action will allow for the interstate movement of these newly developed varieties without unnecessary restrictions. We expect impacted nursery and floriculture industries will benefit from this amended rule by being able to market interstate barberry species and varieties that have been determined to be rust-resistant. Black stem rust is caused by a fungus that reduces the quality and yield of infected wheat, oat, barley, and rye crops.